Between the Lines (novel)
| Company type | Young adult fiction novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | June 26, 2012 |
| Founder | Jodi Picoult, Samantha Van Leer |
| Products | Young adult novel |
| Parent | Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster) |
Between the Lines is a young adult (YA) fiction work co-authored by American writer Jodi Picoult and her daughter, Samantha Van Leer. This book represents Picoult's initial foray into YA literature and serves as Van Leer's first published novel. Released on June 26, 2012, by Simon Pulse, a division of Simon & Schuster, the story caters to the YA audience by combining elements of fantasy with themes of personal growth. In 2015, Picoult and Van Leer followed up with a sequel titled Off the Page, published by Delacorte Press.
Synopsis
Fifteen-year-old Delilah, an avid reader and social misfit, is captivated by a children's fairy tale centered on Prince Oliver called Between the Lines. While her classmates show little interest, Delilah’s deep engagement with the story parallels her experience of family fragmentation—her parents’ divorce—and her sense of loneliness at school. Her closest companion, Jules, embraces an outsider identity with a punk-rock style.
Navigating life between an overly protective mother and a largely absent father she scarcely knows, Delilah longs for meaningful relationships. Her primary antagonist at school is Ally McAndrews, who holds the title of most popular girl.
The plot takes a turn when Prince Oliver suddenly starts communicating with Delilah, sparking an extraordinary connection and burgeoning romance that propels the storyline forward.
Recognition
Within the young adult fiction genre, Between the Lines earned significant acclaim, including a nomination for the Young Adult Library Services Association's 2013 "Top Ten Teen Award" (TTT).
Adaptation
In 2017, the novel was transformed into a musical staged at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. It later premiered Off-Broadway at the Tony Kiser Theater, beginning a limited engagement on June 14, 2022, with an official opening on July 10 after postponements caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The show concluded its run on September 11, 2022.
References